Animal Behaviour,BSc

Why study Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University?

Our course:

• provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of animal behaviour
• is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of its quality
• includes lots of specialist animal behaviour content taught by staff who conduct scientific research into animal behaviour
• includes an optional residential field course dedicated to the investigation of animal behaviour through small group project work
• places behaviour in context with modules addressing health and welfare taught by practising veterinarians, and optional modules developing knowledge and skills in conservation
• includes a substantial, independent research project in your final year, during which you will benefit from one-to-one academic supervision
• is highly suited to students wishing to improve their employability within fields such as animal conservation, animal care and welfare, or animal behaviour research, but also develops skills desirable in a broad range of other graduate professions.

Opportunities!

• Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying animal behaviour overseas
• You can choose to study a number of our modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the modules tab for more information.

Aberystwyth has excellent facilities for animal behaviourists, including:

• a modern aquarium housing cold-water and tropical, marine and freshwater species
• access to a range of small and large domestic animals for animal behaviour research purposes via our university farms, riding school, and veterinary education centre
• access to an extensive woodland neighbouring our campus with purpose-built nest boxes supporting the study of birds and other wildlife
• wild and beautiful habitats on our doorstep, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coast, providing a huge variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities
• opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites
• an extensive collection of zoological specimens housed within our museum.

Research-led teaching!

You’ll be taught by a passionate team of animal behaviourists who are also active research scientists. Their research informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project. Our animal behaviour lecturers are also enthusiastic and innovative teachers!

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

What do I gain from studying BSc Animal Behaviour?

Graduates of BSc Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University:

• are skilled behavioural scientists, with strong theoretical and practical knowledge of animal behaviour
• have direct insight into animal behaviour research thanks to their final year research projects, and our degree’s emphasis on research-led teaching
• may have international experience if they undertake academic exchange
• are confident and insightful critical thinkers, capable of working independently and as part of a team. They have strong scientific and data analysis skills that are desirable within and beyond the field of animal behaviour
• are members of a supportive community of Aberystwyth University behaviourists past and present
• gain a year’s membership of the Royal Society of Biology after graduation to help them establish their careers.

What professions do our students go into?

Our graduates have skills desirable in a wide range of careers both within the field of animal behaviour and beyond. They have:

• undertaken postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level, aiming for careers in animal behaviour research
• gone into ecological consultancy, or practical animal care roles as canine carers or scientific animal technicians
• established careers in science communication, environmental education, and teaching
• taken on scientific roles outside of animal behaviour, for example as medical laboratory assistants, due to their broad base of transferable scientific skills.

Our animal behaviour degree is also suitable for entry into a variety of graduate training programmes.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?

During their studies, many of our students have volunteered for conservation projects locally and abroad such as the Pine Martin Recovery Project and Iberian Lynx captive breeding programme, or for organisations such as the RSPB. Many students also volunteer in zoos, or help out on our scientific research projects.

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme.